Why do you need a set-top box when there are already a lot of "smart" TVs? The best TV set-top boxes of 2020 for Android (aka TV boxes) make it easy to install and uninstall the necessary applications, play games, surf the web and watch YouTube, an online cinema, etc. in high definition. And all this for a low price.
There are tons of options when it comes to picking the best media player, which is why we've compiled this handy TV box rating. It includes the best models you can buy in 2020.
10. Vontar X3 4/128 Gb
- TV box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 128 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 2
- HDMI 2.1 output
The Chinese company Vontar is one of the top names in the world for the best smart TV boxes, and the X3 4/128 Gb is its best set-top box you can buy right now. Slip this sleek device under your TV and you've got one of the best home entertainment hubs money can buy.
There are three models to choose from. The entry-level model has 32 GB of internal storage, but there are versions with 64 and 128 GB of internal storage. The amount of RAM is the same for all three models - 4 GB. We recommend buying the top version, which will fit not only casual games, but also many films and TV series.
This nimble device is powered by an Amlogic S905X3 processor with a frequency of up to 1.9 GHz, easily pulls content in FullHD and 4K, and allows you to play games on the Sega and Dandy emulators. You just need to buy a gamepad. You can also play more demanding games, but keep in mind that during a long session, the console heats up to 75 degrees, and you will have to put a larger radiator or make additional ventilation in the case.
In addition, the Vontar X3 has the ability to auto-adjust the image in terms of resolution and frequency and the Superuser application, which grants (and removes) root-rights to individual applications.
pros: Stylish looks, easy setup, Google Play comes out of the box.
Minuses: not very convenient remote control (it doesn’t even have a “Pause” button), few usb ports, poorly readable small display.
9.Tanix TX6 4 / 64Gb
- TV box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 64 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 3
- HDMI 2.0 output
- service support: Skype chat, Picasa, YouTube, Flicker, Facebook, online movies, etc.
A well-made and highly functional Android TV box in the 2020 ranking. And if 64 GB for storing information seems insufficient for you, you can always install a microSD or microSDHC memory card in this console.
According to user reviews Tanix TX6 is easy to set up and decent speed. It heats up moderately even during prolonged (6-8 hours) work and keeps a stable wi-fi connection. For example, with a tariff of 100 Mbit / s and a 5GHz connection, the set-top box gives out 90 Mbit / s.
pros: compact, fast, inexpensive model.
Minuses: not the most convenient remote control.
8. Google Chromecast Ultra
- 4K UHD support
- built-in Wi-Fi module
- AirPlay support
- smartphone control
- HDMI 2.0 output
- service support: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Google Play Movies, Chrome
If you have a 4K HDR TV, then the Chromecast Ultra, which supports both HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR, will be your top pick in 2020 media player rankings.
Unlike other streaming devices, Chromecast uses apps that are already installed on your phone to control playback and search for content.Just call up a supported streaming app, hit the broadcast button and you're ready to watch. To put it simply, this device streams content from a smartphone, tablet or laptop to a TV. And in the mirroring mode, what is happening on the smartphone screen is displayed on the TV.
Chromecast is also deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem - or at least can be integrated - and supports Google Assistant as well as any Google smart home devices. For Android and Google backers, this is likely to be a key feature. However, users of iOS, Mac, and Windows devices can also take full advantage of Chromecast.
pros: very fast, excellent content transfer quality.
Minuses: few Russian online cinemas and other applications that support Chromecast are demanding on the quality of the home network, a router with 5 GHz support is required.
7. Apple TV 4K 32GB
- TV box on tvOS
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 32 GB, RAM 3 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- AirPlay support
- remote control
- HDMI 2.0a output
- service support: iTunes, Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Showtime
Apple's fifth-generation Apple TV features the powerful A10X Fusion processor (the same chip used in the 2017 iPad Pro models) and memory from 32GB to 64GB, and supports 4K HDR for the first time.
It offers 4K movies through its proprietary iTunes Store, and 4K content is also available through Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. 4K YouTube content will be supported after tvOS 14 is released.
Compared to the previous generation Apple TV, Apple TV 4K received a Gigabit Ethernet port (instead of 10/100) and lost a USB-C port. For connectivity, the Apple TV 4K supports simultaneous dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0.
pros: very convenient remote control (it has an accelerometer and gyroscope built in, it can be used as a controller for many Apple TV games), works in the Apple ecosystem, allows you to play games with a remote control or gamepad, convenient control, AirPlay works, includes a Lightning cable ...
Minuses: Siri does not support Russian, no HDMI cable included.
6. Tanix TX3 Mini
- TV box on Android 7.1
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 16 GB, RAM 2 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 2
- HDMI 2.0 output
The smallest and most inexpensive model among the best Smart TV consoles for Android in 2020. But despite its diminutiveness, this baby works quickly and stably. It is powered by the Amlogic S905W processor, which is a cheaper version of the S905X (with 4K content running at 60 fps).
Note that the 4K from TX3 Mini announced by the manufacturer should not be expected. The image is displayed in a resolution up to 720p.
If your goal is to watch videos on YouTube in good quality and without slowdowns, search for the necessary information in the browser or open movies in an online cinema, then the Tanix TX3 Mini is the perfect option. With more complex tasks, like running heavy games, it may not cope without falling fps and slowing down.
pros: easy to operate, compact, there is a TF card slot.
Minuses: not very convenient remote control, heats up during prolonged work and because of this it may freeze, no built-in Bluetooth, deception with 4K.
5. Ugoos X3 PLUS
- TV box on Android 9.0
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 64 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- Miracast support
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 2
- HDMI output
Ugoos X3 Plus boasts excellent performance, smooth streaming, and a feature rich user interface.
It's safe to say that this is an Android TV box that is perfect for gaming. Most games run smoothly at maximum settings. Just connect a gamepad or wireless keyboard to the device.
In addition, Ugoos X3 Plus supports OTA updates, and is capable of playing video content in different resolutions - from 480p, 720p and 1080p (24fps, 30fps, 60fps) to 4K (60fps).
pros: minimum of pre-installed programs, one of them is Google Play, large amount of RAM and internal memory, good support.
Minuses: inconvenient remote control, heats up during prolonged work.
4. ZIDOO Z9S
- TV box on Android 7.1
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 16 GB, RAM 2 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- smartphone control, remote control
- number of USB ports: 4
- HDMI 2.0a output
With a beautiful aluminum case, this device runs Android 7.1, supports 4K streaming and has a large number of USB ports, including USB 3.0, which allow you to connect external drives at high speed, which is necessary for high bitrate files.
But the manufacturer saved on the amount of internal memory, although this is solved by installing a memory card of the form factor microSD or microSDHC.
ZIDOO Z9S easily plays 4K content and, using the USB audio function, allows you to stream audio to devices with a suitable connection type, such as USB headphones.
The TV box is equipped with Realtek RTD1296DD SoC and allows you to play most Android games without any performance or compatibility issues. High 3D load games like PUBG can run and can be played, but you will notice a drop in fps.
pros: beautiful design, comfortable shell, works without problems with large format files, backlit remote control, stable wi-fi.
Minuses: heats up, but moderately.
3. Skystream Pro 8K
- 8K support
- built-in memory 32 GB, RAM 4 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- AirPlay, Miracast support
- remote control
- OS: Android TV 9.0
So far, we've listed the best media players of 2020 from well-known brands, but there are tons of options from companies that you've probably never heard of. These devices almost always have Amlogic SoC and a customized Android TV version.
One of the most powerful Android boxes is Skystream Pro 8K, which supports 8K streaming, runs Android Pie, and comes with a Bluetooth remote.
It's a really great Android TV box, but it's not as widely available as some of the others on this list. The bigger issue that you should be aware of is that this device doesn't support 4K streaming on Netflix and Prime Video, so you'll have to deal with 1080p.
pros: Fast and smooth operation, supports Google Play Store, there is a memory card slot.
Minuses: hard to find on sale in Russia, so you are unlikely to get a Russified version. Search on Amazon, eBay.
2. Xiaomi Mi Box S
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 8 GB, RAM 2 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- AirPlay, Miracast support
- remote control
- number of USB ports: 1
- HDMI 2.0a output
- service support: Google Play
This is a slightly upgraded version of the Xiaomi Mi Box with the same basic specs but added 4K HDR support.
Unfortunately, the actual performance for streaming 4K content leaves a lot to be desired. However, if you're happy with 1080p streaming, then the Mi Box S is a reliable and cheap alternative to the Nvidia Shield TV (# 1 Smart TV Box 2020).
pros: ease of use, build quality, remote with voice search function (works in Russian), firmware is frequently updated.
Minuses: few connectors and no RJ45 at all.
1. Nvidia Shield TV 2019
- 4K UHD support
- built-in memory 16 GB, RAM 3 GB
- built-in Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth
- AirPlay, Miracast support
- Dolby Audio support
- 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A SuperSpeed
- HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 and CEC support
- Gigabit Ethernet
It's the best Android TV box for most people, but it's also the most expensive on this list. With a powerful 16nm Tegra X1 + processor, 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage, the Nvidia Shield TV 2019 has specs to match its huge app library via the Play Store and a seemingly endless list of features.
This Android box offers 4K streaming, Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround sound, has built-in 4K Chromecast support, and can even be used as a smart home hub with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. And that's all, not to mention its gaming characteristics. With Nvidia Shield TV 2019, you can play Android games, and stream games through the GeForce Now cloud service. Another useful feature of this model is support for Dolby Vision, a format for storing data on the distribution of brightness in frames.
A more powerful version of Pro Shield TV is available, designed with gaming in mind. But if that's not your main goal, then the regular Nvidia Shield 2019 is the best TV box of 2020 due to its cheaper price.
pros: excellent sound and picture quality, comfortable control, the remote fits comfortably in the hand, which the previous version of the console could not boast of.
Minuses: no memory card slot, no gamepad included despite the high price.